SUNSET KECAK FIRE DANCE AT ULUWATU
Perched
on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean is the Uluwatu Temple. Everyone is headed towards the farthest end
where the nightly performance is about to commence. After a few minutes, a group of bare chested
Indonesian men entered as they chant and sway with the rhythm. Apt for the traditional dance name, “ke-chak” was the only word heard of. It was non-stop for a chanting of one hour.
The
show began in time for sunset. The
natural backdrop makes the performance more dramatic. Sitting on the ground forming a circle, the
drama unfolds. Prominent characters
include two young princes, a demon king, a damsel in distress and a mischievous
monkey.
We
had a good vantage for a seat. At the
topmost center, we could see every movement by the performers and the
spectators’ reaction. I was amazed of
the routines and more importantly how they are able to prolong the continuous
cantillation.
The
story builds as the backdrop changes in the shifting of natural skies – on hues
of orange, blue and eventually turning dark.
It was magical.
The
Kecak dance is performed for dance dramas and the storyline is taken from the
epic Ramayana. The main highlight I should say is the
burning of the castle by the white monkey. The character made the audience get involved
as he enters and exit from out of nowhere, thereby surprising spectators.
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| THIS TRIP IS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF INDONESIA |
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